Pope Francis consoles the relatives of loved ones killed in the stampede to the disco

Pope Francis comforted the relatives of loved ones killed in a stampede to a nightclub in 2018 during an audience at the Vatican on Saturday.

Speaking to family members and friends of those who died in the stampede to the Italian city of Corinaldo, the pope recalled on September 12 that he was shocked when he first learned the news.

"This meeting helps me and the Church not to forget, to keep to heart, and above all to entrust your loved ones to the heart of God the Father," he said.

Six people were killed and 59 injured at the Lanterna Azzurra nightclub on December 8, 2018. Three teenage girls, two boys and a woman who had accompanied their daughter to an on-site concert died during the stampede.

Six men appeared before a court in March in Ancona, central Italy, on charges of manslaughter related to the incident.

"Every tragic death brings with it great pain," the pope said. "But when five teenagers and a young mother are caught, it's immense, unbearable, without God's help."

He said that although he could not address the causes of the accident, he joined "wholeheartedly in your suffering and your legitimate desire for justice."

Noting that Corinaldo is not far from the Marian shrine of Loreto, he said that the Blessed Virgin Mary was close to those who lost their lives.

“How many times have they invoked her in the Hail Mary: 'Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death!' And even if in those chaotic moments they could not do it, Our Lady does not forget our pleas: she is a Mother. She certainly accompanied them to the merciful embrace of her Son Jesus “.

The pope observed that the stampede took place in the early hours of December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

He said: “On that same day, at the end of the Angelus, I prayed with the people for the young victims, for the wounded and for you family members”.

“I know that many - starting with your bishops present here, your priests and your communities - have supported you with their prayers and affection. Continue my prayer for you and I accompany you with my blessing “.

After giving the blessing, Pope Francis invited those present to say a Hail Mary for the dead, remembering them by name: Asia Nasoni, 14, Benedetta Vitali, 15, Daniele Pongetti, 16, Emma Fabini, 14, Mattia Orlandi, 15, and Eleonora Girolimini, 39.